JOSE Fonte insists Saints must return to their slick passing style as they bid to put League Cup shame behind them.

The captain was frustrated at how the team started firing long balls towards lone striker Shane Long after Sheffield United had taken the lead in Tuesday’s quarter final “Especially after the first goal we started going long and with all due respect, we are not a long ball team,” the Portuguese defender admitted.

“For the last five years we've been playing football.

“We've opened teams up with one-twos, crosses in the box, playing out of defence, and we changed everything and I don't understand why.

“We've spoke about it and we need to take responsibility, come and get the ball, do what we do, play the way we normally play and that’s the way we believe we can win.

“We didn't do that.”

Saints only mustered one effort at goal on Tuesday against a team lying fifth in the third division.

“We didn't create enough changes because we didn’t match their desire,” Fonte added. “We blew a great opportunity and it is just frustrating.”